Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR Representative
With the support from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the US Embassy in Belgrade, refugees from Burundi and Iran, together with UN volunteers have planted white ash trees in Zvezdara Forest, contributing to making the city even more green, healthier and better for all its citizens.
“I fled violence in Burundi almost two years ago and found safety and new home here in Belgrade. I want to give my best to contribute to making it a better place for us all, and this is both symbolic and useful action, because I think that it is important for this city to be greener and better for everyone that resides here or visits Belgrade”, said Dusenge Patience.
Commissioner for Refugees and Migrations Vladimir Cucić, Francesca Bonelli and Dusenge Patience
The initiative was organized by UNHCR, in partnership with “Posadi svoj hlad” organization, and with recommendations and permits of Public Utility Company “Zelenilo-Beograd”. H.E. Anthony Godfrey, US Ambassador, Vladimir Cucić, Commissioner for Refugees and Migrations, as well as Andreja Mladenović, assistant to Mayor of Belgrade, have taken part in the action.
“Every planted tree by refugees today is a symbol of new beginnings and growth for people who have been forced to flee their homes and found protection in Serbia. This is their contribution for greener environment and a healthier future, together with UN volunteers and the US Embassy. Active integration of refugees is crucial in order for them to contribute at their best to the local communities in Serbia”, underlined Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR Representative to Serbia, and added:
“It is a great pleasure to be together today with the US Ambassador Godfrey, commissioner Cucić and Mayor’s assistant Andreja Mladenović. I’d like to thank them all for the cooperation and support. We are very grateful for the long-standing support of the United States, which allows UNHCR to protect and serve vulnerable and displaced children and adults in Serbia and all around the world”.
Tree planting action in Zvezdara Forest
Besides white ash seedlings, one grown liquidambar tree was planted, ennobling the park in Zvezdara Forest.
“The United States and UNHCR share a commitment to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees and asylum seekers, not only in Serbia, but around the world. As we work toward that goal, today we recognized a few of these individuals who have made Serbia their home and are integrating themselves into Serbian society and actively contributing to their local community. We are grateful for the partnership of the Serbian government and hospitality and generosity of the Serbian people. We hope that planting these trees will represent a continual growth of the acceptance and integration of refugees and asylum seekers in Serbia”, said H.E. Anthony Godfrey, US Ambassador to Serbia.
With this activity, a comprehensive afforestation action of Belgrade has started, implemented by “Posadi svoj hlad” every year.
Media contact:
Dušan Lopušina, lopusina@unhcr.org, 063 434 173
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